Happy endings are the expected conclusion...or what most movie viewers or readers hope for...when an intense, frightening story is over. But, objectively, real life isn’t full of happy endings as Detective Tyler Morgan, the protagonist of Ashes of the Living by John Cox, knows. The best he can hope for after his beloved wife and child are murdered and left to burn is some kind of retribution for the dreadful loss he has experienced, especially when police work has failed to find those responsible. As his rage and determination to find the murderer(s) mount, he moves far beyond caring about happy endings for himself or his future. The only ending Tyler Morgan wants is revenge, and if it means breaking the law to get it, he’s prepared to go rogue if necessary. As far as he’s concerned, everything he has lived for is gone. So if his pursuit of the killers results in his own death, so be it.

The brilliantly conceived plot of Ashes of the Living, despite being heavily narrative, moves along at a suspense-filled pace, slipping in and out of the protagonist’s mind as he embarks on his pursuit of the murderer(s). His search takes him into the bowels of the greedy, deadly world of drug manufacturing. As Tyler Morgan’s rage mounts, so does his female partner’s fear that he might actually find and kill the killers and end his lengthy, unblemished career. But nothing she says can deter him from his mission. And what a bloody mission this turns out to be. While readers will find the intense plot gripping, what stayed with me most was John Cox’s remarkable ability to capture human emotions. Before the murders, the highlight of Tyler’s days was returning to his family at night. Those of us who value our spouses and children will so identify with Tyler’s feelings before the murders, and so deeply feel his rage, sense of emptiness, and - above all - guilt after the murders. He can’t stop berating himself for not being there to save them. These very real human emotions, beautifully explored by the author, make Ashes of the Living a standout. Occasional stomach-turning descriptions, engaging characters, a distinctive mood, and superbly crafted, detailed settings are all brilliantly presented for your reading pleasure. Don’t think twice about selecting this thriller for your next read.

In Ashes of the Living by John Cox, one hot summer in Chicago, the city is facing a drug epidemic in the form of designer heroin, Abyss. Detective Tyler Morgan knows the side effects of potential insanity and the growing number of violent murders are linked somehow. As his investigation deepens to find the supplier of Abyss, his life comes crashing down when his family is murdered. Now Tyler has nothing to lose but find the killer and get his revenge. As Tyler's behavior and interrogation techniques become more erratic, his new partner Herrera believes he is unfit for the case. Tyler, however, is getting ever closer to hunting down the madman that took his family and he will not stop until he finds him. Tyler is prepared to risk everything but even he does not realize what danger he is about to encounter.

Prepare yourself for a fantastic, turbulent rollercoaster of a read. This gripping plot is a non-stop mix of action, suspense and emotion. Each of the characters, even the minor ones, have been created with the utmost care and consideration. The antagonists are the most cold-hearted, sadistic characters I have come across in a long time. Tyler is an amazing character, fearless, no-nonsense and speaks from the heart. His heartbreak and grief were so realistic and you can't help but feel his pain. I loved how he interrogated each suspect in his investigation. Some of his lines were pure magic; this was one of my favourites: “Normally, we do need a search warrant, but when you have cocaine plastered all over your shoulders like some amazing case of dandruff, it nullifies the need for one. See you have already broken the law, and you are wearing the goddamn evidence.” The development of his relationship with Detective Herrera, his new partner, was written to perfection. There are so many subplots in this novel but each is as strong as the main storyline. Expect the unexpected throughout Ashes of the Living by John Cox.